Oil Pan Insert Element for Rapid Engine Oil Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil pans for internal combustion engines do not offer a simple and functionally reliable solution for dividing the oil volume into two chambers to efficiently heat the oil to operating temperature, affecting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Innovation Solution
An oil pan design featuring a partition wall formed by an insert element, which divides the oil pan into two equal chambers, with temperature-dependent valve mechanisms using an SMA spring element to synchronize the opening and closing of inlet and outlet ports, ensuring efficient oil circulation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the oil pan is divided into two chambers with a partition wall, then the oil heating time is reduced and fuel consumption decreases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oil pan is divided into two separate oil chambers (first oil chamber and second oil chamber) using a partition wall with an insert element. This segmentation allows independent heating zones where the oil pump can draw warm oil from one chamber and supply it to the other, effectively reducing the time required to heat the entire oil volume to operating temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
An insert element is positioned within the oil pan to form the partition wall structure. The insert element includes a cover section and a wall section that extend into the oil pan interior, creating the chamber division without requiring a completely separate partition component. This nested approach simplifies manufacturing by integrating the partition structure into the existing oil pan geometry.
2Measurement precision
If a valve mechanism is added to control oil flow between chambers, then temperature control precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature-dependent valve mechanism is incorporated into the partition wall to automatically control oil flow between chambers based on temperature parameters. The valve responds to temperature changes by opening or closing the connection opening, enabling precise control over when thermal exchange occurs between chambers without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism operates autonomously based on temperature conditions, automatically opening to allow oil flow when temperature differential exists and closing when temperatures equalize. This self-regulating behavior eliminates the need for external sensors, controllers, or actuators, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise temperature control.
3Ease of manufacture
If the insert element is made as a single piece, then manufacturing ease improves, but the positioning precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The insert element is constructed as a single integrated piece comprising a cover section and a wall section that extend perpendicular to each other, forming an L-shaped configuration. This monolithic design simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to assemble multiple components, while the unified structure inherently maintains proper positioning and alignment within the oil pan.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert element features an asymmetric L-shaped geometry with the cover section parallel to the oil pan floor and the wall section extending perpendicular to it. This asymmetric design allows the insert to self-position correctly within the oil pan, with the asymmetric shape preventing rotation or misalignment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity as a single piece.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for faster oil temperature stabilization, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by ensuring that both chambers are efficiently heated and maintained at optimal temperatures, while being easy to manufacture and assemble.
Implementation Method 1
a valve that can close the at least one connection opening as a function of temperature, The valve being designed in such a way that it closes the connection opening when the temperature in the first oil chamber is below a switching temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Oil pan (10) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a first oil chamber (27), a partition wall for separating a second oil chamber (24), the partition wall having at least one connecting opening (30, 32) for connecting the first oil chamber (22) with the second oil chamber (24), and at least one valve (34) that can close the at least one connecting opening (30, 32) depending on the temperature, the valve (34) being designed such that it closes the connecting opening (30, 32) when the temperature in the first oil chamber (22) is below a switching temperature, characterized in that the partition wall is formed by an insert element (20) inserted into the oil pan (30).